SMCS Elementary Family Newsletter
04.12.23
SMCS ELEMENTARY FAMILY NEWSLETTER - April 12, 2023
In This Email
Click here for St. Gabriel Elementary News
Click here for St. Mary Elementary News
Click here for St. Margaret Mary News
You can always visit the news page on our website for past newsletters.
SMCS Mission
Preparing and inspiring students to lead meaningful lives, rooted in the teachings of Christ and our Catholic tradition.
Greetings from the Principal
Dear SMCS families,
Happy Easter! I hope you all had a very blessed holy week and a joyous Easter celebration with family and friends. Today’s gospel reading is the famous encounter the two disciples had with Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Like the disciples, I pray that we all may be open to seeing and feeling the presence of Jesus all around us. He is risen and He is present with us always!
In peace,
Mrs. Anna Cihlar
Principal ~ St. Gabriel, St. Margaret Mary, St. Mary
SMCS Accreditation Help
As part of the St. Mary Catholic Schools accreditation process, we are asking members of the SMCS community to complete a number of surveys to provide stakeholder input regarding the SMCS experience. You may remember being asked to complete a survey in the fall. As the process continues we are checking back in and would appreciate your help in completing another survey. These surveys are not long and are anonymous. Your participation is completely voluntary. We ask that the survey be completed by April 18.
When you begin the surveys, you will be able to choose St. Mary Catholic Schools OR you may choose one of our school buildings. If you prefer to complete the survey for a particular building, you are welcome to complete the survey again for other buildings.
Again, your help is greatly appreciated and will provide us with necessary data for our accreditation process. Please reach out to Kelly Beisenstein-Weiss (kbweiss@smcatholicschools.org) if you have any questions or concerns.
Click here to begin the survey
Thank You Associate Principals
Last week we celebrated our amazing associate principals! Thank you Mrs. Cendejas, Mrs. Giombetti, and Mrs. Lutz for all you do!
Thank You Mrs. Schneider
On April 4, we celebrated National School Librarian Day! Thank you, Mrs. Schneider for all you do!
Thank You Aides
On April 5 we celebrated Paraprofessionals Day! Thank you, teachers' aides, for all you do!
Shannon Hayes, Leah Planert, Maria Nieto, Mimi Zerba, Maria Morales (not pictured)
Ana Argueta, Katie Marston, Ann Clark, Nicole Hamilton, Karen Schumacher, Lucy Wang, Vanessa Nackers
Donna Liddy, Terri Boccheciamp, Veronica Miller, Jenny Simon, Lynne Hart, Kirsten Fladung, Ev Zimmerman, Annie Lee (not pictured)
Dress Code Reminder
Due to warm temperatures this week only, elementary students may wear navy blue or khaki shorts/capris/skirts.
From the dress code policy:
- Navy blue or khaki shorts and capris in solid color may be worn in August & September and May & June.
- Dress shorts must be to the knee (no athletic shorts).
- Navy blue or khaki skorts, skirts or jumpers should come just above knee or longer.
- Skorts should look like a skirt, with attached shorts underneath.
- Shorts are to be worn under skirts or jumpers on physical education days.
Grades 5-7 Middle School Social
5th grade students are invited to attend a middle school social with dancing, games, and food!
This is for students in grades 5-7 on April 28 from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Students will take a bus from school to the middle school. Parents, please pick students up at middle school. Watch for a permission slip coming soon!
We don't want you to miss out on the chance to join us at Zephyrfest 2023, held at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center on April 29.
To register to attend, click here.
As an added bonus, if you register to attend by noon this Friday, you'll be entered into a drawing for a free entry into our Key Club sweepstakes. How does a new car sound?
Just a reminder, you don't need to be present to win any of our sweepstakes! Sweepstakes information is available here.
Not registered yet? Tomorrow, April 13, is the deadline to sign up to attend Mother Son Bowling!
Standardized Testing
FORWARD TESTING: Students in grades 3-5 will participate in Forward testing during the testing window of March 20-April 28. Your child's classroom teacher will communicate specific days that testing will occur. Parents can help prepare children in the following ways:
- Help your child get a good night sleep before testing
- Provide a nutritious breakfast
- Try not to schedule appointments on testing days
- Encourage your child to do their best on this test and reassure them it is not a reason to be anxious
MAP TESTING: There will be no spring MAP testing for students in grades K-5. However, there will be a few exceptions and your child's teacher will contact you.
Staff Recognition
SMCS Teacher and Staff Awards Nominations
Each year, St. Mary Catholic Schools (SMCS) recognizes the talent of outstanding SMCS teachers and staff members. It is important to show our teachers and staff how much their dedication and hard work is appreciated. Please take the time to nominate a deserving teacher/staff member/co-worker by clicking on the links below. Past recipients are listed here. The deadline for nominations for the 2023 awards is Friday, April 28.
ST. JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD
Criteria for the Award: The Outstanding Teacher Award is presented to a current SMCS teacher who continually inspires and academically challenges his/her students. This award was established to recognize excellence in teaching, with a focus on creativity, rapport with students, positive attitude and high-quality instruction. The Outstanding Teacher Award recognizes a special teacher who has an exceptional relationship with students, parents, and peers, contributes constructively and positively to the school and SMCS, and lives his/her faith in and out of the classroom. The recipient of this award challenges his/her students to work to their highest potential and teaches them to set high self-expectations and standards. St. John Online Nomination
ST. FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI AWARD FOR POSITIVE INFLUENCE
Criteria for the Award: The Positive Influence Award is presented to a current SMCS staff member who makes an exceptional difference in the lives of our students and their families. This person continually goes above and beyond to make sure that our students feel school is a haven for learning and growing. He or she promotes personal growth, spirituality and life-long learning as the path to future success. Award winners are recognized for going well beyond expectations for the good of SMCS students, their families and the entire SMCS system. St. Frances Online Nomination
ST. ANNE AWARD FOR SMCS SPIRIT
Criteria for the Award: The SMCS Spirit Award is presented to a SMCS current staff member who consistently represents all SMCS schools in a positive and enthusiastic manner. This individual inspires others by actively engaging co-workers, students and families to support the SMCS mission and vision, and is committed to the concept of a P3-12 Catholic school system in our community. This person displays an upbeat attitude, promotes and participates in activities and events and encourages school spirit in others. He or she enthusiastically encourages students, parents, families, parishioners and the community to learn more about our schools and takes personal pride in and responsibility for the success of SMCS through their positive work. St. Anne Online Nomination
ST. ISIDORE OF SEVILLE AWARD FOR INNOVATION
Criteria for the Award: Criteria for the Award: The SMCS Award for Innovation is presented to a current SMCS staff member who shows distinction in innovation. This award seeks to recognize an engaged employee who fully uses the resources provided by SMCS, seeks mentors within our community and freely shares his/her time, talent and ideas with other system employees and students to support the SMCS values and strategic goals. This employee demonstrates ingenuity and resourcefulness while inspiring creativity and critical thinking in others. St. Isidore Online Nomination
Planning for the 2023-2024 School Year
Registration
Existing students do not need to do anything to register for next year. The non-refundable $75 registration fee will appear on existing tuition accounts in March.
New Students: If you have a new student entering the system in 2023-2024, you can begin the registration process here. Please feel free to share that link with anyone looking to learn whether SMCS is the right choice for their family.
Tuition
Tuition rates for 2023-2024 have been announced. Click here to view the rate sheet. Tuition assistance is available. Click here for the application.
You can read more about this year's Cost to Educate invitation in this email sent recently.
WPCP
SMCS participates in the state of Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP). The state application period runs from February 1 to April 20. Please review eligibility requirements at: dpi.wi.gov/choice or contact Shelley Wautlet in the Business Office for more information. Being awarded the WPCP grant can mean free tuition for your child grades 4K-12 at SMCS!
For Tax Purposes- filing year 2022
Parents may claim the tuition payments for 5-year-old kindergarten through grade 12 on the state of WI Schedule PS tax form. To access payments made from 1/1/22 to 12/31/22, log in to Blackbaud/Tuition Management: https://parent.smarttuition.com/ and select Family Year End Statement at the right. Please consult a tax professional to inquire about claiming payments on P3/4K tuition. For Part 1 on the PS Form you will enter: St. Mary Catholic Schools, 1050 Zephyr Drive, Neenah, WI 54956. The federal ID will print on your statement as the School Tax ID. Contact Shelley Wautlet if you need help with logging in to your tuition account. swautlet@smcatholicschools.org
Save-the-date for 5th grade recognition
Save the date for 5th grade recognition:
St. Gabriel: 5/24/23
St. Margaret Mary: 5/25/23
St. Mary: 5/26/23
Camp Zephyr
It's time to nail down your summer plans! The registration deadline for Camp Zephyr is fast approaching. Click here to register. Have questions about the program? There will be an informational meeting at St. Margaret Mary at 5:30pm on April 27.
SMCS Sports Camp Information
Registration for Tennis, Girls Volleyball, Girls Basketball and Football summer camps is now open. Please register early. Camps are open to any student from any school. (Grade entering Fall of 2023 for all camps)
2023 SMCS Sports Camp Registrations
Registration for Fall ZFL Flag Football League (Grades 3-6, 2023-2024 School Year)
U9-U13 Zephyrs Football League
More information and registration will be coming in future for the SMCS Summer Strength and Conditioning Program – Middle and High School program will be out soon. This program is for SMC Students Only.
High School Strength and Conditioning (Entering Grades 9-12 Fall of 2023)
Starts June 12 – Ends August 3 (No Class July 3-6)
Monday thru Thursday – 7:30am - 9:00am
Middle School Strength and Conditioning (Entering Grades 6-8 Fall of 2023)
Starts June 12 – Ends August 3 (No Class July 3-6)
Monday thru Thursday – 9:00am – 10:00am
Tuition Discount Opportunity
Our After School Care Program is hiring! We have openings at our Elementary and Middle School Campuses. If you or someone you know is looking for a part-time job, join SMCS! The schedule will be Monday – Friday from 2:45 – 5/5:30 p.m.
This is a paid position that offers great benefits! If you have a child enrolled in our schools, you will receive 50% off their school tuition and while you work in the after school care program, you can bring your child with you for free!
If you are interested in learning more about the After School Care Provider position or would like to apply, please contact the Human Resources Department by calling 920-722-7796 and ask for HR or email pfoulks@smcatholicschools.org or ckind@smcatholicschools.org
Virtus Training for Volunteers
We are so grateful to all our volunteers who contribute so much to our schools! If you are considering volunteering or chaperoning any school field trips or events, please complete Virtus training, a background check, and the code of conduct through the Diocese Green Bay. Please contact your schools' administrative assistant to get the process started. Thank you!
St. Gabriel contact Mrs. Richards, srichards@smcatholicschools.org
St. Margaret Mary contact Mrs. Schira, kschira@smcatholicschools.org
St. Mary contact Mrs. Barraza, dbarraza@smcatholicschools.org
A Look Ahead...
April 14: Lunch with Dad
- May 2: Zephyr Spirit day
- May 19: No school, teacher professional development day
- May 29: No school, Memorial Day
- June 6: Zephyr Spirit day
- June 7: Last day of school (early dismissal)
- June 8: No school, teacher professional development day
- June 9: No school, teacher professional development day
Helpful Links
Contact Information
St. Gabriel: 920-725-4161
St. Margaret Mary: 920-729-4565
St. Mary: 920-725-5351
Elementary Principal: Mrs. Cihlar, acihlar@smcatholicschools.org
St. Gabriel Associate Principal: Mrs. Giombetti, jgiombetti@smcatholicschools.org
St. Margaret Mary Associate Principal: Mrs. Lutz, jlutz@smcatholicschools.org
St. Mary Associate Principal: Mrs. Cendejas, acendejas-ruiz@smcatholicschools.org